Exhibit
try:
f = open('data.txt', 'r')
data = f.read()
num = int(data)
except (ValueError, IOError) as e:
print('Error:', e)
finally:
f.close()Question 443 of 521
PCAP Exceptions and File I/O Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of exceptions and file i/o. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
try:
f = open('data.txt', 'r')
data = f.read()
num = int(data)
except (ValueError, IOError) as e:
print('Error:', e)
finally:
f.close()Refer to the exhibit. If 'data.txt' contains '123', what is the output?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
No output
The code attempts to open 'data.txt' in write mode ('w'), which creates a new empty file or truncates an existing one. Since the file is opened for writing, no data is read from it, and the print() call is outside the with block, so it executes after the file is closed. The output is 'No output' because the code does not print anything from the file.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the file is opened for reading and expect the content to be printed, but the 'w' mode silently truncates the file and produces no output, leading to the correct answer being 'No output' rather than the file's content.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, opening a file in write mode ('w') truncates the file to zero length if it exists, or creates a new file. The with statement ensures the file is properly closed after the block, but the print() call is outside the block and does not reference the file content. This behavior is defined in Python's io module and is a common source of confusion when mixing read and write modes.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCAP question test?
Exceptions and File I/O — This question tests Exceptions and File I/O — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: No output — The code attempts to open 'data.txt' in write mode ('w'), which creates a new empty file or truncates an existing one. Since the file is opened for writing, no data is read from it, and the print() call is outside the with block, so it executes after the file is closed. The output is 'No output' because the code does not print anything from the file.
What should I do if I get this PCAP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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